GUDNI Bergsson and Florent Laville canét talk to each other but when it comes to defending they speak a common language.

The Icelander and the Frenchman, who has no English, have forged a mean and magnificent partnership that has been the springboard of Boltonés surge towards safety.

Laville, 29, had been a one-club man for 14 years when he arrived from Lyon on loan at the end of January.

But while many players have taken months to integrate into the demands of Premiership football, Laville has taken the switch in his stride.

Thou shalt not pass

He has forged an instant partnership with Bergsson to lock the back door so effectively that Bolton have conceded only one goal in their last six games.

Chelseaés Carlton Cole has been the only player to breach the wall since March 8, and Bergsson has saluted the man who could replace him as the defensive kingpin if he goes through with his retirement plan.

He said: éFlorent is an experienced defender but he has still done remarkably well, especially given the fact that he doesnét speak a lot of English.

éHe has adjusted so well to a new environment, a new kind of football and new teammates.

"He has settled in very well, although it will have helped him that there are other French players here.

éI have found him good to play with as he is always there at the right time. Heés given us a lot of stability.

éYou have to give him full credit for the job he has done because ités by no means easy to come in like he has done.

Settled in instantly

"You canét really expect new players to slot in as quickly as he has. Heés done marvellously well.é

Bergsson, whose new partnership will be put to the test by Arsenal at the Reebok on Saturday, added: éWeéve defended well at the back but weéve also defended well as a team as a whole.

éThe lads in front of us in midfield, and even the front three, are all defending when we havenét got the ball.

éWe are playing more as a unit now and Florent has played a big part in that.é